David Cordon
Pixel Puzzle
Pixel Puzzle is a platform dedicated to revealing what visual effects (VFX) are really about — beyond the magic, beyond the myths, beyond the credits that roll by too fast to read. We’re here for the artists, the technologists, the dreamers — and for the outsiders who’ve always admired the craft without fully understanding it. Through honest conversations with pioneers, leaders, and unsung heroes of the industry, we break down the walls that separate “the business” from “the art,” and “the audience” from “the work.” Our mission is simple, but urgent: To humanise visual effects. To show the wor...
Author
David Cordon
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Oct 7, 2025
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Episode 12 - Lighting for the Unseen 07.10.2025 1:23:32
Chapters 00:00 The Journey into Cinematography 13:00 Influence of Japan on Artistic Perspective 18:55 Evolving Views on Visual Effects 32:07 Lighting Techniques and VFX Integration 43:17 The Pressures of Filmmaking and VFX 44:28 The Subtlety of Visual Effects 45:14 Seamless Integration of VFX in Storytelling 48:29 The Harmony of Practical and Visual Effects 49:50 Innovations in Cinematography and...
Episode 11 - A Director's Perspective on Visual Effects 05.09.2025 44:44
Chapters 00:00 The Art of Pitching and Filmmaking 02:16 Early Influences and Journey into Filmmaking 04:47 Directing Style and Identity 07:36 Collaboration and Working with Actors 09:52 Visual Effects and Storytelling 12:07 Practical Sets and Creative Choices 14:33 Integrating Visual Effects in Filmmaking 17:25 The Role of Actors in Visual Storytelling 20:45 Collaboration and Creative Alignment 23...
Episode 10 - A Coach's Guide to Wellbeing 22.07.2025 1:15:44
Chapters 00:00 Farewell and Reflection on the Journey 01:57 The Shift from Production to Coaching 03:55 The Brilliance of People in Visual Effects 06:24 Adapting to Industry Demands 08:17 Motivation and Ambition in Visual Effects 10:45 Leadership and Team Dynamics 14:32 The Essence of Leadership 18:26 Authenticity in Leadership 22:41 The Impact of Team Harmony 24:09 Effective Leadership Qualities...
Episode 09 - Inside The Frame: The Artist's Role 08.07.2025 1:30:57
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Visual Effects and the Guest 01:43 Jeroen Desmet's Journey into VFX 10:23 Defining the Artist's Role in VFX 17:19 The Importance of Resilience in Artists 18:59 The Generalist Approach to Problem Solving 26:21 The Rewards of Working in VFX 32:03 Creative Roots and Family Influence 34:13 The Pain of Perfectionism in Art 36:49 Balancing Pressure and Performance 41:53 Le...
Episode 08 - Inside the World of a VFX Producer 12.06.2025 1:21:46
Chapters 00:00 The Journey to VFX Production 05:47 Understanding the Role of a VFX Producer 12:14 Creative vs. Logistical Challenges 18:01 Navigating Pre-Production Responsibilities 23:57 Production Phase Insights 29:53 Post-Production and Team Dynamics 41:10 Evolving Communication in Visual Effects Production 42:40 Selecting the Right Vendors for Visual Effects 46:50 Navigating Resource Availabil...
Episode 07 - How VFX Supervisors Transform Films 06.05.2025 1:29:48
00:00 - Introduction to Visual Effects and Journey Recap 06:26 - Understanding VFX Roles and Responsibilities 11:42 - Transitioning to Leadership in VFX 15:19 - Key Skills for a Visual Effects Supervisor 22:18 - Observational Skills in Visual Effects 24:12 - Experiences with Different VFX Supervisors 26:47 - Reflections on Personal Growth and Leadership 29:09 - Essential Skills for a VFX Superviso...
Episode 06 - Software: Turning Imagination Into Reality 22.04.2025 1:23:01
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Visual Effects and Software's Role 02:15 Kim Davidson's Journey in Computer Graphics 08:43 The Evolution of Software in Storytelling 11:32 User Feedback and Software Development 15:01 Understanding Procedural Techniques 18:27 Misconceptions About Software in Visual Effects 22:07 Gaps in Software Capabilities and Artistic Vision 25:08 The Developer's Mindset: Problem...
Episode 05 - Technology: The Backbone of Visual Effects 08.04.2025 1:17:22
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Visual Effects and Guest Introduction 01:35 Hao Li's Journey into Visual Effects 03:45 Technology as a Creative Enabler in Filmmaking 06:06 The Role of Technology in Storytelling 09:41 Audience Perception of Technology in Film 11:33 Challenges of Introducing New Technologies 13:59 Understanding the Visual Effects Pipeline 17:33 Integrating AI in Visual Effects Produc...
Episode 04 - Let's Talk Business 25.03.2025 1:28:51
In this episode, we sit down with Scott Ross to pull back the curtain on the economics of VFX, the struggles of running a studio in Hollywood, and why, despite the industry’s undeniable growth, many VFX companies still operate on razor-thin margins. 🔍 Key Takeaways from the Episode 1. Why Does the VFX Business Model Fail? The visual effects industry produces some of the most incredible images in...
Episode 03 - How Talent Acquisition and Development Drive Succes 11.03.2025 58:54
Description In this episode, we sit down with Sophie Maydon to explore the human element behind the stunning visuals in film and television. Sophie shares her journey into talent acquisition and development within the VFX industry, offering insights into the qualities that make a successful VFX artist and the importance of mentorship. We delve into the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life...
Episode 02 - The History of Visual Effects 25.02.2025 1:06:44
From the magical trick photography of Georges Méliès to the groundbreaking innovations of films like Jurassic Park and The Matrix, we unravel the milestones that shaped the industry. Discover the pioneers who redefined what was possible on screen, the ingenious techniques that brought fantastical worlds to life, and the evolution of tools that made the impossible a reality. Whether you’re a season...
Episode 01 - Breaking the Ice 25.02.2025 1:10:12
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pixel Puzzle Podcast 02:10 Meet the Host and Guest 04:08 Common Misconceptions About VFX 10:04 The Evolution of Visual Effects in Cinema 18:06 The Ongoing Battle of VFX Perception 20:18 VFX as a Storytelling Tool 23:23 Recycling and Reusing VFX Assets 29:04 Comparing VFX Across Generations 30:33 The Evolution of Realism in Cinema 32:16 The Intersection of Cinema and...
A Little Taste of What's to Come 21.02.2025 1:12
We see the magic. We hear the stories. But do we really know how it all comes together? Pixel Puzzle is a limited podcast series that opens the doors to the world of visual effects— not just for VFX insiders, but for everyone who’s ever been captivated by the screen. 💡 What to Expect: 🎥 The untold stories behind iconic films and TV shows 🔥 Honest conversations about the craft, the challenges, a...
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